Erector type air transportable fueling system



1955 R. T. HEADRICK 3'200993 EREGTOR TYPE AIR TRANSPORTABLE FUELINGSYSTEM Original Filed Aug. 13, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. RICHARD7f HEADRICK A T TORNE Y 1965 R. T. HEADRICK 3,200,993

ERECTOR TYPE AIR TRANSPORTABLE FUELING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 OriginalFiled Aug. 15, 1957 N NHFI IN VE N TOP. RICHARD 7.' HE ADP/CK 4 M fl w ATTORNE'Y 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 R. T. HEADRICK ERECTOR TYPE AIR TRANSPORTABLEFUELING SYSTEM Aug. 17, 1965 Original Filed Aug. 15, 1957 INVENTOR.RICHARD 7. HEADRICK Y ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,200,993 EREQTGRTYPE Am TRANSPQRTABLE FUEHNG SYSTEM Richard T. Headrick, Fort Wayne,Ind, assignor to Buwser, lino, Fort Wayne, End, a corporation of IndianaOriginal application Aug. 13, 1957, Ser. No. 677,935, new Patent No.3,028,010, dated Apr. 3, 1962. Divided and this application Nov. 24,1961, Ser. No. 156,555

4 Claims. (Cl. 222-72) This is a divisional application of applicantspatent application, Serial No. 677,935, filed August 13, 1957, nowPatent No. 3,028,010.

This invention relates generally to means for a portable erector settype of fueling system and more particularly is directed to a fuelingsystem embodying improved prin ciples of design and construction so thatthe entire system may be carried in one aircraft such as a C-124 alongwith all spares, tools and personnel necessary for erection, operation,servicing or dis-assembly.

The fueling system is particularly designed and constructed so that itmay be erected in a reasonable period of time by a comparatively smallcrew with a minimum of tools. The erector type concept is an easilyoperated and quickly installed fueling system designed to contain asufficient quantity of fuel to balance the logistic supply lag and stillbe able to service aircraft on a rapid turn around program in acondition of perimeter warfare where normal sources of supply are notyet applicable without sacrificing the strictest concept Within thestate of the art of being able to deliver clean dry fuel to theaircraft.

With the foregoing in mind, one of the principal objects of theinvention is to provide a fueling system comprising, among other thingsa portable servicing vehicle with a number of sub-assemblies or unitsdisposed thereon, or associated therewith, which successively conditionsor treats aviation gasolines or jet fuels circulating or passingtherethrough. More particularly in this respect, the vehicle includes atank having filter/water separator, a three way valve, line strainer, apressure regulator connected in series on the inlet line, and a sumpdisposed below the tank whereby the water removed from the fuels can bedrained away or removed from the tank in any manner desired. The outletline is provided with a meter, surge suppressor, gate valve and fuelingnozzles for delivery of the fuel to the aircraft.

An important object of the invention is to provide an adapter means toreceive fuel from a variety of sources such as tanker airplanes, shiptanker, storage drums, truck tankers and railroad tankers and transmitthe fuel to a collapsible or pillow tank farm storage area.

A significant object of the invention is to provide a fueling systemwhich will pressure regulate, filter/water separate and dehydrate jetfuel or aviation gasoline in the process of delivering the jet fuel oraviation gasoline to the flight line whereby center point nozzles orover the wing nozzles may be used simultaneously for servicing anaircraft at a substantially high flow rate.

A specific object of the invention is to provide means for flushing thesystem or returning the jet fuel or aviation gasoline without the wasteof fuel by recirculating the initial fuel supply through the filters andback into the storage tanks in such a manner that every singlecompatient, with the exception of the nozzles themselves, will have beencompletely flushed prior to the fueling of an aircraft.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fueling system which isreasonably non-radar reflective and resistant to damage in strafing orbombing attacks.

A further object of the invention is to provide an 32%,993 Patented Aug.17, 1965 erector type of fueling system which is capable of operatingunder a wide variety of conditions such as increased or decreasedstorage capacity, intenconnection with other systems; variations indelivery equipment and flexible and non-critical installationrequirements easily adapted to varying terrain contours and climaticconditions.

Many other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentafter the description hereinafter set forth is considered in conjunctionwith the drawings annexed hereto.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view depicting the novel fueling system inits preferred form;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of the novel fueling system showing thecarts, piping, pumps, valves, meters, etc.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of the portable service fueling vehicle andportable delivery stations illustrating the piping, valves, filters andsurge suppressors, etc.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of the portable junction cart showing thepiping and valves.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic view of the portable header illustrating thepiping and valves.

In referring to the drawings, detail views of the elements andcomponents have been omitted because they have in one application oranother become standard to the industry.

Referring to the fueling system exemplified in FIG- URES 1 and 2 of thedrawing, the numeral 11 generally designates an adapter kit which may beconnected to a variety of fuel supply sources such as storage drums 13,railroad tanker l5, truck tanker 17, or a KC97 or similar aircrafttanker 19. The fuel supply source may be a ship tanker off shore whichmay supply fuel through a floating hose or amphibious vehicles carryingcollapsible pillow tanks.

The supply pump 21 is driven by an engine 23. The pump is connected tothe adapter kit through line 25 provided with a line strainer 27. Thepump 21, engine 23 and strainer 27 are mounted on a skid wheel cart 29which may be positioned in close proximity to the source of supply.

The junction skid wheel cart designated 31 is provided with an inletgate valve 33, a check valve 35 and a cross fitting 37 which isconnected to the perimeter supply line 47 to permit circulation of thefuel in both directions. The recirculating or return line 39 is providedwith a check valve 41, and is connected to the cross fitting. The gatevalve 33 is connected to the discharge of the pump 21 by a flexibledischarge line 43.

A number of collapsible pillow tanks designated are spaced substantiallyin a circle with their outlet side disposed toward the center of thecircle. It should be noted that the tanks are not susceptible toexplosion hazard due to the fact that there is no void space regardlessof the degree to which they are filled. A flexible perimeter line 47 isconnected to the cross fitting and extends around the perimeter of thecollapsible tanks 45. Each pillow tank is provided with a fuel inlet andpilot valve 49 adapted to open at 5 inches of water pressure and closeat 8 inches of water pressure, which will permit the tanks to be fueledto their capacity without danger of inflation or tankrupturing. Thebranch lines 51 provided with gate valves 53 connect the inlet valves 49with the supply line 47.

The six-way header designated 55 is mounted on a skid wheel vehicle andis positioned in the geometric center of the tank farm layout. Theheader inlets 57 are provided with a gate valve 59 for selectivity and acheck valve 61to permit reverse flow in the event one tank is disposedon higher ground. The header outlet 63 is provided with a gate valve 65.

A transfer pump 67 is driven by a gas turbine engine 69. A flexible line71 having a line strainer 73 connects the pump suction with the headeroutlet 63. The pump 67, engine 69 and strainer 73 are mounted on a skidwheel cart 75 for portability.

A number of filter/water separators 77 for removing contaminant andwater from the fuel are mounted on the skid wheel cart 79 and areconnected to the pump discharge through a header 31 and a flexible line83. A high pressure bypass line 85 provided with a high pressure reliefvalve 87 which is mounted on the cart 75 is con nected to the line 83and to the perimeter supply line 47 thereby preventing pump overheatingor cavitation when all outlets are closed in the delivery system.

A number of aluminum type desiccant dehydrators 89 are mounted on a skidwheel cart 91 and are connected to the filter/water separators through aheader 93, flexible line 95 and header 97. It should be noted that thedesiccant dehydrators are used only with jet fuels and only where waterin chemical solution is required to be removed. It is not generallyaccepted practice to use desiccant dehydrators with aviation gasolinesbecause of its tendency to remove the additives in the gasoline.

The flight line lateral junction skid wheel carts designated 99 areconnected by a supply line 1111. A delivery line 1412 provided with agate valve 103 is connected to the line 1111. A number of gate valves107 are interposed in the supply line 1111. A high pressure bypassrelief line 1119 provided with a high pressure relief valve 111 providesa bypass around each valve 107. A defuel line 113 having a check valve115 is connected to the supply line 1tl1.

The fuel servicing vehicle 110 may be designed and constructed invarious ways, but as herein disclosed it is provided with a three-wayvalve 117 adapted to be connected to the delivery line 102. An auxiliarypump 119, is provided with an inlet line 121 connected to the threewayvalve 117 and having its discharge line 123 connected to the defuel orreturn line 113. The vehicle supports the tanks 125 and 127 which areprovided with a filter/water separator unit 129 disposed in each tankfor removing any contaminant or water in the fuel. The inlets of thetanks are connected to the three-way valve through a header 131, line133, pressure regulator 135, line 137, line strainer 139 and line 141.The branch defuel lines 143 and 144 having check valves 115 and 145 areconnected to the bottom portion of the tanks 125 and 127, respectively,and to the line 141. The outlet of tank 127 is connected to the fuelinghose 147 through line 149, meter 151, line 153 and control valve 155.The outlet of tank 125 is connected to the fueling hose 157, throughline 159, meter 161, line 163 and valve165. A pair of surge arrestors167 and 169 are disposed between the valves 165 and 155, and the meters161 and 151. A divided fuel water sump 171 having identical dump valveassemblies 173 is connected to the bottom portion of the tanks 125 and127 through lines 175 and 177 respectively. An air eliminator 179 isconnected to the upper portion of the tanks 125 and 127 through lines131 and 183 respectively. A line 185 provided with a check valve 187connects the air eliminator with the inlet line 14*1. The line 163 isvented to line 181 through line 189 provided with a check valve 133. Theline 153 is vented to line 133 through line 193 provided with a checkvalve 195. The pressure regulator 135 is connected to the lines 153 and163 through line 197 and line 191 provided with check valves 201 and 203respectively.

A high pressure bypass line 265 provided with a relief valve revconnects the line 199with the line 1211.

Operation Assuming that all of the component erector parts have 1 havinga control gate valve 33, perimeter supply line 47, branch lines 51, gatevalves 53, and inlet valves 43.

The control header 55 joins the outlets of the collapsible pillow tanksto the pump 67, which supplies the fuel to the flight line at junctioncarts 99 through the filter/ water separator 77, rate of fiow controlvalve 313, and line 1111.

The fuel flows from the lateral junction cart 99 to the three-way valve117 on the fuel servicing vehicle 12% through the line 1112 and valve1113.

The fuel then flows through a line strainer 139, a pressure regulator135, siamese manifold 131 and into the tanks and 127. In each tank thefuel passes through a filter/water separator 129 which removes thecontaminant and water therein and passing the clean fuel to the outlethoses 147, 157 through meters 151 and 161, and valves and respectively.The surge arrestors 167 and 169 function to prevent damage to the meterswhen the nozzles are closed during the dispensing operation. The aireliminator 179 serves as a vacuum breaker from the downstream side ofthe meter to prevent the metering of air during defueling operation andto allow the meter rotors to remain submerged.

As shown in FIGURES I and 2, the fuel may be delivered to the aircraftin a number of different ways in that a hand held over wing nozzle 2199,or, center point nozzles 211 may be connected to the lines 157 and 147respectively.

The lines 147 and 157 may be joined by a siamese cou pling 213 which inturn is connected to a center point pressure nozzle 215 by a hose line217.

Recirculation of the fuel through the storage tanks may be accomplishedbefore fueling the first aircraft by closing the valves 1%? therebypermitting the fuel to pass through the flushing or return line 39 tothe perimeter supply line 47. The fuel service vehicle 129, includingthe lines 147 and 157, may be defueled by turning the three-way valve toclose off the inlet flow and opening a port to the line 121 whereby theauxiliary pump 119 will bleed off all the fuel and discharge it into thereturn line 39.

Attention is directed to the fact that the fueling system is such thatit may be varied readily to meet the requirements of specific commands.For example, some conditions will require a smaller tank farm andpossibly only one fuel servicing vehicle. The applications andrequirements vary so widely that the fueling system should not belimited to any specific set of requirements, but should incorporate thenovel features which make the fueling system applicable to ail knownrequirements.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has beenmade only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details ofconstruction and the combination and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of theinvention as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A subassembly of the kind described comprising a portable fuelingvehicle having an elongated tank, means at one end of said tank defininga fuel inlet, a three-Way valve communicating with the fuel inlet, saidtank having filter means disposed within the tank for removingcontaminant and water from the fuel, said tank provided with fuel andwater outlets, said water outlets disposed in the lower portion of thetank, a meter communicating with the fuel outlet, a fueling nozzlecommunicating'with the meter, and a surge suppressor interposed betweenthe nozzle and meter.

2. In combination: a portable fueling vehicle having an elongated tankprovided with a fuel inlet and fuel outlet, a three-way valvecommunicating with the. fuel inlet, said tank having filter meansdisposed within the tank for removing contaminant and water from thefuel, said tank provided with a Water outlet, a water sump adjacent andcommunicating with said water outlet, said tank provided with an aireliminator for dissipating entrapped air, a meter communicating with thefuel outlet, a fuel nozzle communicating with the meter and a surgesuppressor interposed between the nozzle and meter.

3. In combination: a portable fueling vehicle having an elongated tankprovided with fuel inlet means inc1uding a strainer and a flow ratecontrol pressure regulator for protecting the internal structure of anaircraft from excessive pressure, said tank having filter/waterseparator means disposed within the tank for removing contaminant andwater from the fuel, a water sump adjacent and communicating with thelower portion of the tank for receiving the separated Water from thetank, said tank provided with a fuel outlet, a meter communicating withthe fuel outlet, a fuel nozzle having a dispensing line connected to themeter, a surge suppressor interposed in the dispensing line between thenozzle and the meter, and a sensing line connecting the dispensing linewith the regulator for quick closing the regulator when the nozzle isshut 01f from a dispensing operation. I

4. An assembly comprising a portable fueling vehicle, a pressureregulator having an inlet and an outlet, a branch discharge lineconnected to the regulator outlet, a first elongated tank communicatingwith the branch discharge line, said first tank having a filter/Waterseparator means disposed therein for removing contaminant and Water fromthe fuel, a first meter communicating with the first tank, a firstfueling nozzle having a line commun-icating with the first meter, afirst surge suppressor interposed in the line between the first nozzleand the first meter, a second elongated tank communicating with thebranch discharge line, said second tank having a second filter/ waterseparator means disposed therein for removing contaminant and water fromthe fuel, a second meter communicating with the second tank, a secondfueling nozzle having a line communicating with the second meter, asecond surge suppressor interposed in the line between the second nozzleand the second meter and a water sump communicating with the first andsecond tanks for receiving the water separated from the filter/waterseparator.

References Cited by the Examiner LOUIS J. DEMBO, Primary Examiner.LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Examiner.

1. A SUBASSEMBLY OF THE KIND DESCRIBED COMPRISING A PORTABLE FUELINGVEHICLE HAVING AN ELONGATED TANK, MEANS AT ONE END OF SAID TANK DEFININGA FUEL INLET, A THREE-WAY VALVE COMMUNICATING WITH THE FUEL INLET, SAIDTANK HAVING FILTER MEANS DISPOSED WITHIN THE TANK FOR REMOVINGCONTAMINANT AND WATER FROM THE FUEL, SAID TANK PROVIDED WITH FUEL ANDWATER OUTLETS, SAID WATER OUTLETS DISPOSED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF THETANK, A METER COMMUNICATING WITH THE FUEL OUTLET, A FUELING NOZZLECOMMUNICATING WITH THE METER, AND A SURGE SUPPRESSOR INTERPOSED BETWEENTHE NOZZLE AND METER.